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My Child Is Having Bent Leg. Should I Consult A Pediatric Orthopedic?

Posted on Wed, 17 Apr 2013

Question: Hi,
My name is XXXXXX I am writing to you seeking advice for my daughter (she would complete 2 Yrs on 3rd May, 2013).
When my daughter was born and as she was growing we noticed her both legs was bending outwards like a bow.
When we spoke with our pediatrician, he said since she started to walk quite early due to the body weight increasing, it would take time to get normal.
As time passed by, her right leg looks normal. However her left leg is bent from the knee to the ankle.
Now, we are asked to consult a pediatric orthopedic.

Kindly advice.

Regards,
XXXXXX
0000 0000.

Answered by Dr. Synthyia Bhagat (1 hour later)

Hi XXXXXXX

Thanks for writing to us.

I understand your concern.

Your daughter had bilateral bowing of legs (genu varum) initially and now it is in one leg only.

Causes are;
Physiological-which is usually seen in less than 2 years of age and is self limiting and corrects once child starts putting weight.
Pathological- mostly due rickets, skeletal dysplasia

I suggest you to get her evaluated by orthopedician for proper examination and to see degree of varus deformity.

-Plain X XXXXXXX of leg is required to see degree of deformity.

Management will depend on cause.
-In case of rickets it is managed medically.
-In case it is progressive in nature surgical procedure is done which includes variety of options ranging from bracing, guided growth to osteotomy.

Hope I have answered your query; let me know if you have any other question.

Wishing your child good health.

God bless!!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Synthyia Bhagat (1 hour later)

Hi Dr. Synthyia Bhagat,

Thank you for your email.

Firstly, is this a major concern. XXXXXXX (my daughter), is our first child and everyone in the family are very concerned.

Per your advice, we will consult a pediatric orthopedic. Would there be any website wherein I could visit and learn more. This would help me in explaining it to my family.

We reside in Andheri (Marol) and I am curious to know if you know any pediatric orthopedic surgeon within Marol (Andheri--East) or close to Marol (Andheri--East).

Thaking you in anticipation for your reply.

Regards,
XXXXXX
0000 0000.

Answered by Dr. Synthyia Bhagat (7 hours later)

I understand the concern of your family. But relax; it does not seem to be a major problem. As I mentioned treatment depends on cause and degree of deformity. Mild valgum can get corrected by 4 to 5 years of age.

You can learn about genu valgum on following sites;
WWW.WWWW.WW WWW.WWWW.WW
Frankly as I practice far away I do not have personal reference of pediatric orthopedician at Andheri/Mumbai. However if you have plans to visit Delhi, I think you should consider visiting reputed institutes like AIIMS for consultation.

Hope this helps. If you have any other question I would be glad to help.

Take care!!

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad